How to commission a handmade dinner set.

Commissioning a handmade dinner set is not a small decision, we live in a world where the production of almost everything we need for our daily lives can be made fast and at high volumes. Making the leap in cost from what can be bought off the shelves and commissioning a handmade dinner set enormous. By choosing to buy handmade you are investing in the time dedicated by a craftsperson to their passion, time to create something truly bespoke and unique to you. I have spent the last 18 years exploring my interests as an artist and maker not always as a potter but always fascinated by the transformation of material to object. Since 2017 I have been running my ceramics business, making work for clients of all kinds, each commission honing my skills and focusing my style. All leading to this point now with a collection of work that I am so immensely proud of., a body of work that focuses on my love of process. The transformation of lump of humble clay to a beautiful and functioning piece of pottery has had me transfixed from my very first turn on the wheel 13 years ago.. 

Below I hope to answer questions you may have about the how's and what's of commissioning a dinner set from me, I really appreciate the commitment in the decision and hope that have answered all your quandaries but let me know if I have missed anything.

FAQs

What glaze?
Glaze finish can be a hard choice to make  If you are considering purchasing a dinner set from me get in touch as I happy to send out test tiles of each glaze to help you make your decision.. I love welcoming clients to the studio if they are able to reach me, in which case you will be able to see finished versions of each piece and glaze in the flesh, making the decision much easier. If you aren't local but decide to purchase a dinner set then I will send out a small scale plate and bowl in up to three glaze finishes to help finalise that decision. I am also happy to complete sets in multiple glazes, it can be lovely to have different items in different glazes. If ordering straight from the website just choses the scale of you r dinner set and I will be in touch regarding you glaze choice. For more details on glaze finishes. please take a look at my blog on glazes!

How long?
Each dinner set is made completely to order, promoting the uniqueness of your set and allowing me the space to focus on a quality of work that is so important to me. With this in mind it takes time! The time will vary depending of size of order, smaller sets will take around 6-8 weeks and larger sets 10-12 weeks production time. We also need to factor in the time it takes you to ponder your preferred finish as I work in two different stoneware bodies and the glaze you chose determines the clay I use.

Can I make changes?
I am always happy to discuss particular preferences in form and scale so please do ask, but please be aware that alterations may come with an change in price to allow for development time and/or increased materials and firing costs.

How does payment work?
Clients are either able to pay in full via the web shop or pay directly in two installments. For the initial instalment I ask for a payment of 40% of total invoice. This initial payment acts as a deposit and is non-refundable once the making of your order has commenced. The same if true if you pay in full via website, 40% will act as a non-refundable deposit.. The second instalment will be requested once I have completed you order. 

What happens if there is an issue with my order?
I hope that you have seen enough of my work to feel confident you have made the. right choice. I will always spend time communicating with you over glazes and any tweaks to ensure you are happy with your final decision. Taking the time with each order is an imperative part of my process to ensure that I deliver on the quality of work I promise. Glaze samples and/or visits to the studio are to give you a feel for quality and finish so what when your order comes you know what you are expecting. Any faulty or pieces in an order that have somehow slipped the net will be replaced. 

​How will I receive my dinner set?
If you are local and would like to collect then we can arrange a collection time and date once your order has been made. If you are very local and in Bristol itself then I am happy to deliver you order,. For clients further a field or who would rather postal delivery than I will package your order carefully in plastic free (I only use bubble wrap when recycled) packaging and post using a signed for service.  I will be able to give a rough postage quote at point of order but postage will be included in final invoice. Please be reassured that breakages are rare but should something go array in the post then I will replace any broken pieces as quickly as possible.